Study Finds Effective Methods for Smoking Cessation

Aug.30.2022
Study Finds Effective Methods for Smoking Cessation
A study found that varenicline, bupropion, and low-dose e-cigarettes were the most effective smoking cessation methods.

A study titled "Pharmacological and e-cigarette intervention for smoking cessation: systematic review, network meta-analysis, and cost-effectiveness analysis" was conducted by researchers at the University of Bristol in the UK. They searched a publication database up to March 2017 and updated their search in February 2019 with randomized clinical trials of smoking cessation interventions lasting for over six months.


The research team ultimately conducted a total of 363 experiments involving 201,045 participants. Additionally, they conducted 53 observational studies, which involved 8,783,5403 participants for safety review purposes.


After analyzing the results, the research team has concluded that the most effective treatment methods are substituting with Varencicline Standard plus Nicotine (odds ratio [OR], 3.22; 95% credible interval [CrI], 2.27-14.88), substituting with Varenicline Low plus Nicotine (OR, 5.70; 95% CrI, 1.57-21.12), and using low electronic cigarettes (OR, 3.22; 95% CrI, 0.97-12.55).


A controversial drug.


On October 1, 2021, the drug varenicline, commonly sold under the name Champix, was added to the World Health Organization's Essential Medicines List. This anti-smoking medication is well-known for helping smokers overcome cravings for cigarettes. However, despite being considered highly effective, it can also cause moderate to severe psychological side effects, ranging from terrifying nightmares to suicidal thoughts.


After multiple reports of such disturbances, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued the most severe warning for the drug, causing the sales of Valeni-cline to decrease from $846 million in 2008 to $671 million last year.


In order to overcome this decline, Pfizer, the manufacturer of the drug, has invested heavily in advertising and resolving lawsuits related to the medication. Additionally, the pharmaceutical company has released data retrieved from a study that allegedly proves that consuming Valenicline does not have a direct link to experiencing psychological disorders.


Subsequently, after refusing to lift the warning in 2014, the FDA recently decided to change their stance and abandon the warning. The agency has requested the listing of side effects associated with the drug, and has established a requirement that the label specify that varenicline is more effective than other smoking cessation therapies.


Vonnicron stock recall


Meanwhile, in June of last year, Pfizer was forced to halt distribution of Valsartan after discovering increased levels of nitrosamine in the pills and recalled some of its stock. However, in the following month, the US Food and Drug Administration announced that it would temporarily allow some manufacturers to distribute drugs containing carcinogens below a temporary limit of 185 nanograms per day until impurities could be eliminated or reduced to acceptable levels.


Disclaimer: 1. The content of this article is compiled from third-party information and is only intended for industry exchange and learning purposes. 2. This article does not represent the views of 2FIRSTS, and 2FIRSTS is unable to confirm the authenticity and accuracy of the content. The compilation of this article is only intended for industry exchange and research. 3. Due to the limitations of the compilation level, the compiled article may not express the same meaning as the original article. Please refer to the original article for accuracy. 4. For any domestic, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and foreign statements and positions, 2FIRSTS fully aligns with the Chinese government. 5. The copyright of the information compiled belongs to the original media and author. If there is any infringement, please contact us to delete it.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

Tasmanian Lower House Passes Tougher Tobacco Bill With Higher Penalties for Sales to Minors
Tasmanian Lower House Passes Tougher Tobacco Bill With Higher Penalties for Sales to Minors
The Tasmanian House of Assembly has passed a new bill aimed at cracking down on the sale of smoking products to children and curbing the illicit tobacco trade. Under the Public Health Amendment (Prohibited Tobacco and Other Products) Bill 2026, businesses caught selling tobacco products to minors would face steeper, tiered fines.
Apr.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
 Bangladesh Approves Amended Tobacco Control Law Expanding Ad Bans and Smoke-Free Areas
Bangladesh Approves Amended Tobacco Control Law Expanding Ad Bans and Smoke-Free Areas
Bangladesh’s new government has approved a broad tobacco control amendment that bans tobacco advertising, promotion and display across print, electronic, digital and social media, entertainment platforms and points of sale. The law does not cover newer products such as vapes, heated tobacco products, electronic nicotine delivery systems or nicotine pouches.
Apr.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Russia Moves Toward Full Ban on E-Cigarettes and Vapes, With Scope Still Under Discussion
Russia Moves Toward Full Ban on E-Cigarettes and Vapes, With Scope Still Under Discussion
Russia’s State Commission for Countering Illegal Trafficking in Industrial Products on March 25 supported an initiative to fully ban the production, import and circulation of electronic cigarettes, vapes and refill liquids in Russia.
Mar.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK Vape Distributor JM Wholesale Files Notice to Enter Administration
UK Vape Distributor JM Wholesale Files Notice to Enter Administration
UK vape distributor JM Wholesale filed a notice on March 20 to enter administration. The Leicestershire-based company submitted the notice through Shakespeare Martineau, with Quantuma expected to be appointed as administrator.
Mar.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Australia’s Tasmania Tables New Bill to Strengthen Crackdown on Illicit Tobacco and Vapes
Australia’s Tasmania Tables New Bill to Strengthen Crackdown on Illicit Tobacco and Vapes
The Tasmanian government has tabled the Public Health Amendment (Prohibited Tobacco and Other Products) Bill 2026 in Parliament, proposing new offences, higher penalties and stronger enforcement powers to crack down on illicit tobacco and vaping products.
Mar.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Japan Says Heated Tobacco and E-Cigarette Use Is a Key Factor Behind Rising In-Flight Smoking
Japan Says Heated Tobacco and E-Cigarette Use Is a Key Factor Behind Rising In-Flight Smoking
Japan’s transport ministry said on April 14 that major Japanese airlines reported 429 passenger smoking incidents on domestic and international flights in 2025, the highest level since comparable data collection began in 2004. The government said the spread of heated tobacco products and e-cigarettes was an important factor behind the increase. Japan plans to work with airlines to raise public awareness of fire risks on aircraft.
Apr.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai